Shiny new concourse at Bradley International Airport
We’re loving the look of this concourse at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor, CT, which is an extension of the existing Terminal A and part of an 80,000 square-foot facility add directly behind the airport’s Sheraton Hotel.
The new concourse adds three additional gates, new restroom facilities, a second nursing room for mothers and new dining and retail option.
The new concourse is part of a larger terminal expansion that has been underway since March 2023 and includes a new inline baggage screening system below the concourse which opened in fall 2025.
A mile-long conveyor belt now carries bags from the airline ticket counters directly to the new screening facility, which houses the explosive detection machines that once took up a lot of space in the airport lobby.
Porter Airlines’s 1st transborder route from Western Canada
Flights will operate daily until April 19, 2026 on the airline’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which have a 132-seats configuration with no middle seats.
This is Porter’s third route to Phoenix, joining year-round service from Toronto Pearson and seasonal Ottawa flights.
If you fly to PHX, be sure to check out this new pre-security exhibition.
Immerse yourself in Spectral Alchemy, a new exhibition now open at the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery before security. Arizona artists give their own interpretation of light, from cosmic and celestial imagery to expressions of “inner light.” https://t.co/f8XTxzpdK7pic.twitter.com/f34c4oY3r2
— Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (@PHXSkyHarbor) January 30, 2026
New foosball table at IAH Airport
Airport entertainment doesn’t need to be complicated.
Then, on Saturday, Dec. 27, at noon, there will a free PDX screening of Oregon’s favorite film, “The Goonies,” with Miss Hannah’s popcorn samples and kid-friendly crafts.
Visitors can get a 2-hour parking voucher with a $20+ purchase at participating pre-security businesses. And keep in mind, Oregon has no sales tax…
Festive happenings at other airports
Our annual Tree Decorating Challenge is live! If you haven’t already, head over to our Facebook page to vote for your favorite. pic.twitter.com/QEpli228l3
Santa will be at ORF all week — find him in our Main Lobby! Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2 – 4 p.m. | Wednesday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. pic.twitter.com/wCtKBhwUbj
We’ve decked the halls and filled the air with music at MCO! ✨ 🎶 Catch live performances throughout our terminals this month, as we celebrate the season in style! For the full schedule, visit: https://t.co/jcANYwuj3ypic.twitter.com/IXadrqG27B
DTW is full of holiday cheer! This week, Santa Claus is stopping by the Evans Terminal so be sure to pay him a visit. Take advantage of our DTW Destination Pass to see if you're on the naughty or nice list this year. #DTWnonstoppic.twitter.com/scZTcqxTA2
Bradley International Airport (BDL) now has 9 new painted rocking chairs in the terminal, thanks to some creative high school students from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
In the spring, the airport gave nine participating schools unfinished wooden rocking chairs with an invitation to paint the chairs with a design that represents their town or state.
The finished chairs, now adorned with images that celebrate local landmarks, picturesque scenes, historical references and school pride, are back at the airport and located post-security in the terminal.
If you’re traveling through Bradley International Airport, take a moment to enjoy the painted rocking chairs and some of the permanent and temporary art exhibitions and live music offered through the BDL Art & Music program.
A second-grade class and a fourth-grade class from Windsor Locks, Connecticut, chose the winning names for two new snowplows at Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport.
The winning names: Snowbelle and Blizzard Wizard.
The story of how Salt Lake City International Airport saved its World Map
This is a great story of the heroic effort to save an iconic world map at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) first installed in the 1960s.
When the new terminal was being built, the map was removed and word was that it was too complicated to save it and that the map wasn’t coming back.
But it did!
🍿🎬Pop some popcorn. Break out the tissues. And watch this video about how we saved our beloved World Map.
What was believed to be impossible is now a reality at #TheNewSLC. On your next trip through SLC, visit the World Map in Concourse B Plaza. Take a picture standing on your… pic.twitter.com/kDidqAewif
The landscapes and imagery represent New England and Connecticut, the Nutmeg State.
We’ve partnered with RiseUP for Arts to display five murals by local artists in our main terminal, highlighting some of the landscapes and imagery that represent Connecticut and New England.
— Bradley Intl Airport (@Bradley_Airport) August 6, 2024
Hartford-based RiseUP for Arts has completed 250 murals throughout Connecticut since 2015. The murals at BDL are by Patrick Ganino, Micaela Levesque and Chris Gann. Take a look.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 18 million passengers at U.S airports over the Memorial Day travel period, which stretches from May 23 to May 29, about 6.4% more than in 2023.
If you’re one of the holiday travelers, here are some fresh art and amenities to look for at airports along the way.
Art at LAX Airport
It’s been about a year since LAX finally created an airside connection between all its terminals. That means ticketed passengers don’t have to go back through security to make a connecting flight in another terminal and can access all of the airport’s shops, dining venues and art.
Among the newest art installations at LAX is “Flora (Flores amplificati), by Laura Hull.
For the installation, Hull digitally manipulated and layered photographs of plant life commonly found in Southern California to create a digital mural printed on vinyl. Look for it in the hallway that connects Terminals 1 and 2 post-security.
Find a full list of all the permanent and temporary artwork at LAX on the LAX Art Program site.
(Laura Hull, “Flora (Flores amplificati),” Courtesy Los Angeles World Airports)
Beer – and more – at Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Beercode Kitchen & Bar has opened at Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, CT just in time for the busy holiday weekend. The gastropub is open in the Gates 21-30 concourse and is the first sit-down restaurant on that concourse. It’s open by 4 am daily for breakfast and has a lineup of local craft beer and other beverages.
Creatively Remade art objects at Denver Int’l Airport
Denver International Airport’s (DEN) newest exhibition, Creatively Remade: Upcycled Art and Design, features a wide range of art, fashion and functional objects made from materials that would have otherwise been discarded.
The exhibit stretches through several areas of the airport, including Ansbacher Hall (before A-Bridge security), Concourse B East between gates B60 and B62, on level three of Concourse C, and east and west baggage claim.
The Stuck at the Airport collection of airport and airplane-themed socks just keeps growing. The latest addition comes from Bradley International Airport (BDL), near Hartford, Connecticut. BDL was also kind enough to send along a notepad with the airport’s slogan: Love the Journey.
The BDL socks join the socks in our collection that sport the retired pattern of the carpet at Portland International Airport (PDX) which spawned the passenger trend of taking “footies” on airport carpets nationwide. We’re looking forward to the wearing our PDX socks when PDX airport opens its new main terminal area in May.
The contactless mobile platform lets travelers browse menus, order, and pay for their meals before picking up the order.
The program is put together by MIA, concessionaire Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW) and Grab, and is available on MIA’s mobile-friendly website or mobile app. Food venues are searchable by food type and airport terminal. And orders are scheduled for pick-up at pre-set times, so customers don’t have to wait in line.
At Denver International Airport (DEN), the new Eats Delivered program works with At Your Gate. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, passengers can order meals from seven participating restaurants (so far) and have the meals delivered to them anywhere in the terminal, including baggage claim.
Eats Delivered food delivery service now at DEN! 🍔Download the AtYourGate app (coming soon to Google Play) 🥗Order from 1 of 7 participating restaurants 🥞 Pay over the app 🍕Food will be delivered in approx 30 mins or less 🍜Enjoy your mealhttps://t.co/1XRXFQ6nSV. #DENeatspic.twitter.com/Ta0FpL1tQe
And this week American Airlines, British Airways, and oneworld announced the launch of an optional coronavirus (COVID-19) testing trial on select flights from U.S. cities to London Heathrow (LHR).
The tests will be free. They’ll be available to customers on American Airlines Flight AA50 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to LHR; on British Airways Flight BA114 departing New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to LHR; on BA Flight BA268 from Los Angeles (LAX) to LHR.
This part of the program starts on November 25.
The testing includes:
An initial at-home test to be taken 72 hours before departure from the US
A second test upon arrival at LHR
A third test to be taken three days after arrival in the UK
The testing program will then be expanded to American Airlines Flight AA106 from JFK to LHR, on a date yet to be announced.
TSA Talks Turkey. And pie.
And in case you are flying somewhere this Thanksgiving holiday, keep in mind that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a list of foods you may and may not bring as carry-on.
The “yes you may” list includes baked goods, meats (frozen, cooked, or uncooked), stuffing, casseroles, Mac ‘n Cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, candy, and spices.
The “pack in carry-on” or “have someone else bring it” list includes dishes such as cranberry sauce, gravy, wine, canned fruit or vegetables (the cans have liquid), jams and jellies, and maple syrup.
Our “5 Things We Love About…” series celebrates features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.
Today we land at Bradley International Airport (BDL), in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 15 miles from Hartford. BDL is New England’s second largest airport and has a great tagline: Love the Journey
5 Things We Love About Bradley International Airport (BDL)
1. Rocking chairs at Bradley Int’l Airport
Rocking chairs scattered throughout the terminal are decorated by area high school students to showcase a school, town or region.
2. Art & exhibits highlighting area attractions
Two art pieces from the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA (20 miles away) are displayed at Bradley International Airport. Travelers will also find two scale Lego models showcasing Connecticut’s iconic Mark Twain House and Museum as well as the Goodspeed Opera House.
3. Souvenir shopping at Bradley International Airport
You will find plenty of fun souvenirs in the BLD shops, including lobster lollipops and other items reflecting of the region to university themed apparel, such as clothing and memorabilia from Yale University and UConn, the University of Connecticut.
4. Therapy dogs at BDL
To help passengers “Love the Journey,” BDL airport partners with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. for its therapy dog program.
5. The New England Air Museum at BDL
The 90,000-square-foot New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in the region and it is located right next to Bradley International Airport.
The collection includes more than 100 aircraft ranging from early flying machines to supersonic jets. More than half of the aircraft are on display in three large exhibit hangars and in an outdoor display area.
The museum has a large assortment of engines, artifacts and historical exhibits, including this wicker balloon basket from the 1870s built and flown by Plymouth, Connecticut native and aeronaut Silas Brooks that is believed to be the oldest surviving American-built aircraft.
Bonus: Sheraton Hotel at BDL Airport
The Sheraton Hartford Hotel is located in the terminal at Bradley International Airport. AvGeek alert: in addition to an indoor pool, the hotel has many rooms offering great views of the runway.
Did we miss one of your favorites amenities at Bradley International Airport (BDL)? Is there an airport you’d like to see featured in the “5 Things We Love About...” series on Stuck at The Airport? If so, please leave a note in the comments section below.
City or celebrity? Branding goals fuel airport name changes
Louisville, Kentucky is well known for bourbon,
the Kentucky Derby and Louisville Slugger baseball bats.
It’s also the city the late, legendary boxer
Muhammad Ali called home.
In his honor, Louisville International
Airport (SDF) was recently renamed Louisville Muhammad Ali International
Airport and a new logo honoring The Champ and his famous praise, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a
bee,” was
adopted.
In addition to honoring a native son, the
airport name change is expected bring economic benefits to Louisville and both
built on and boost Ali-related tourism to the city.
“Even three years after our city’s most famous son’s
passing, Louisville continues to see people coming from across the globe to
discover and trace Ali’s legacy,” Karen Williams, President and CEO of
Louisville Tourism said in
a statement, “The airport rebranding supports current marketing efforts to
engage in Ali’s ‘Footsteps of
Greatness’ as a reason to inspire visitation to Louisville.”
Location, Location, Location
While Louisville added the name of a local
icon to its airport’s name, other airports are moving away from celebrity names
in favor of stronger geographic branding.
In 2016, the Allegheny County Airport
Authority declined to change the name of Pittsburgh International
Airport to the Fred Rogers International Airport.
An online
petition seeking to honor the late star of the locally produced “Mister Rogers’
Neighborhood” PBS TV program was signed by more than 15,000 supporters. But
airport representatives said vacation planners were more likely to search
online for “Pittsburgh Airport” than for “Fred Rogers.”
In southern California, regional Bob Hope Airport (BUR) is now Hollywood Burbank Airport.
The switch came in 2017 after airport
officials realized that while the general public knew that the late Bob Hope was
a comedian, few outside the region knew the airport was so located so close to
Hollywood and many top Los Angeles-area attractions.
“Some thought the airport was in Palm Springs,” said
airport spokeswoman Lucy Burghdorf, “Others thought it was in Vietnam,” because
Hope had hosted annual USO Christmas tours to entertain troops during much of the
Vietnam War.
To help solve BUR’s identity problem, “We studied
what other airports had done and why,” said Michael Fiore, cofounder and
chief brand officer of the Anyone
Collective, “And
for the most part we found the same answers: those with a geographic
identifiers attached to them were performing better than others.”
The name-change, coupled with branding and
marketing efforts that include everything from new signage at the airport and
on highways to online advertising, has garnered the airport national awards
and, more importantly, more passengers, said Fiore.
Some other airports have gently tweaked their
names in the interest of better branding.
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) was renamed St. Louis Lambert International Airport in February 2017. The move was made “to
improve marketing positions locally and globally while also expanding
connections with the St. Louis region,” according to the airport’s strategic
plan.
“This decision was made to better identify our
geographical location to travelers who are not from this region,” said MKE spokesman
Harold Mester, “Our new brand adds the name of our anchor city while still
honoring our namesake, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, who is considered to be the
father of the U.S. Air Force.”
“As we continue to market the airport in
international and west coast markets, we have found that these populations are
challenged to locate us,” said Kevin A. Dillon, Executive Director of the
Connecticut Airport Authority, “Accordingly, we are undergoing a review to be
completed by the end of the year to determine if it is feasible to change the
airport name, and, if so, how we can continue to preserve the memory of Eugene
Bradley at the airport.”
Bucking the Trend
While the benefits of geographic branding are
convincing some airports to change or tweak names, at least one airport is bucking
the trend.
In 2017, the Hawaii Department of
Transportation (HDOT) changed the name of Honolulu International
Airport (HNL) to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
The much-beloved Inouye served as Hawaii’s
first representative in Congress in 1959 and went on to represent the Aloha
State in both the House and Senate for a combined 53 years.
This is the
fourth name change in the airport’s history, notes HDOT.
When it
opened in 1927, HNL was named the John Rodgers Airport. After surviving the
attack on Pearl Harbor, in 1947 the airport was renamed Honolulu Airport. “International”
was added to the name in 1951.
It is too soon to tell if the name change will boost the local economy or increase tourism to Honolulu. But HDOT pegs the cost of new signage, parts, materials, labor and other tasks associated with this latest name change at one million dollars.
What do you think? Should an airport be named for a city or a celebrity?
